List of tallest buildings in San Diego

San Diego has over 140 high-rises, mainly in the downtown district. In the city, there are 30 buildings that stand taller than 300 feet (91 m). In the 1970s, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began restricting downtown building height to 500 feet (152 m) due to the proximity of the San Diego International Airport.^[1][2] The tallest building in the city is the 34-story One America Plaza, completed in 1991, which stands 500 feet (150 m) tall.^[3]

The history of skyscrapers in San Diego began with the completion of the El Cortez Apartment Hotel in 1927. The building, at a height of 310 feet (94 m), remained the tallest building in San Diego until 1963, when the Executive Complex at 350 feet (107 m) took its place. The skyscraper's height was surpassed in 1969 by the Union Bank of California Building, which stood as the tallest building for two decades with its height of 388 feet (118 m). In 1989, with a height of 499 feet (152 m), Symphony Towers gained the title, before being passed two years later by One America Plaza. During the 1990s, the city was compared to a "handful of tools in a scarcely stocked toolbox" and a "mouth with a lot of missing teeth".^[1] Development in the late 1990s and 2000s led to many new high-rises, mainly residential skyscrapers.^[1]

As of April 2011^[update], San Diego is ranked 82nd in the world with its 145 high-rises.^[4] However, due to the FAA height restriction, none of San Diego's buildings are within the top 100 tallest buildings in the United States. As of April 2011^[update], there are over 25 buildings that have been proposed, approved, or are currently undergoing construction which will join the tallest buildings in San Diego (over 300 feet).^[5][6]

Tallest buildings

This lists ranks San Diego skyscrapers that stand at least 300 feet (91 m) tall, based on standard height measurement. This includes spires and architectural details but does not include antenna masts. An equal sign (=) following a rank indicates the same height between two or more buildings. The "Year" column indicates the year in which a building was completed.

Tallest under construction, approved, and proposed

Under construction

This lists buildings that are under construction in San Diego and are planned to rise at least 300 feet (91 m). Under construction buildings that have already been topped out are also included.

Approved

This lists buildings that are approved in San Diego and are planned to rise at least 300 feet (91 m).

* Table entries without text indicate that information regarding building heights, floor counts, and/or dates of completion has not yet been released.

Proposed

This lists buildings that are proposed in San Diego and are planned to rise at least 300 feet (91 m).

Timeline of tallest buildings

This lists buildings that once held the title of tallest building in San Diego as well as the current tallest building, One America Plaza.

References

General

• "San Diego". Emporis.com. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=101033&bt=2&ht=2&sro=1. Retrieved April 26, 2011. 
• "San Diego". SkyscraperPage.com. http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?cityID=120. Retrieved April 26, 2011. 

Specific

External links

• Diagram of San Diego skyscrapers on SkyscraperPage.com